Tour companies

1. Hippo Creek Safaris:

Daniel Saperstein, one of the owners of Hippo Creek Safaris, organized a safari experience that was virtually flawless. His exceptional professionalism ensured every aspect of the excursion was executed perfectly.

2. FORA:

Nathan Mitchell provided exceptional travel guidance for our recent excursions to London, Amsterdam, and is currently working with us to plan our forthcoming visit to New Orleans. His resourcefulness, promptness, and great recommendations have been invaluable.

Business resources

1. B&H Photo in New York:

Having worked with them for over 50 years, I can attest to their consistent honesty and reliability as a supplier. However, it's crucial to conduct thorough research on the specific camera you need before acting on their recommendations. Their goal in to sell cameras and equipment and you want to avoid purchasing the right equipment; an overly feature-rich camera can sometimes create more complications than benefits. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

2. Nations PhotoLab:

A great lab for all kinds of printing = extremely good and VERY reasonably priced

Please take a few minutes and listen to this NPR’s Here and Now interview with Author Arthur Brooks.

Inspiration

Learning a new art form Boosts Creativity and Problem-Solving

Art is a powerful catalyst for imagination and innovation. When you engage with an art form, you're constantly making choices.  This process trains your brain to think flexibly and come up with unique solutions, skills that are highly valuable in all areas of life, from work projects to daily challenges. 

Learning an art form actively engages multiple parts of your brain. It strengthens neural connections and can even lead to the formation of new ones. This increased brain activity contributes to:

• Improved Focus and Concentration: Art often requires sustained attention to detail, helping you train your brain to concentrate for longer periods.

• Provide an Outlet for Expression: Art offers a non-verbal way to process emotions and express feelings that might be difficult to put into words

• Better Memory and Recall: Remembering techniques, the elements of design, or steps in a process sharpens your memory.

• Stronger Critical Thinking: You're constantly analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating your work, which hones your analytical skills.

• Enhanced Spatial Reasoning: Activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting help you understand and manipulate shapes and dimensions, which can even aid in subjects like math and geometry.

• Increase Positive Emotions: The sense of accomplishment from creating something, even if it's not perfect, can boost your mood and self-esteem by releasing "feel-good" brain chemicals like dopamine.

• Provide an Outlet for Expression: Art offers a non-verbal way to process emotions and express feelings that might be difficult to put into words.

• Lower Cortisol Levels: This is your body's stress hormone, and creative pursuits can help reduce it.